TOXIC PARENTING: HOW MY PARENTS FAILED ME

 

In the past, I have written on the subjects of toxic parenting and child estrangement, because these are subjects that I know all too well. I wanted to share my experience with toxic parents, in greater detail. I know a lot of you out there have dealt with, or are currently dealing with, one or both parents who have failed you. Parents who have let you down. Parents who have hurt and damaged you beyond words. I have not one, but two toxic parents, who have continuously failed me throughout adulthood. They failed my older brother also. My sweet, beautiful brother, tragically ended up drinking himself to death, at the age of 44. 

THOUGHTS ON SAHM'S VS. WORKING MOMS

I constantly hear women defending themselves for being "working moms". It seems like a lot of working moms feel (or are made to feel) some degree of guilt for choosing to have careers versus spending their days at home caring for their children. Yet, American society as a whole, tends to look down on women who don't work. The expectation for women to stay home and raise children, has been replaced with the expectation for women to bring home a paycheck.  As a result, I also constantly hear stay-at-home moms (SAHM's) defending their choice to not work, and for making motherhood their main priority.  I think it's sad that we, as mothers, would try to tear down any other mother, when we all know how hard motherhood is. I mean, it's not as if being a mother is some minor, inconsequential role in life. I very much understand, and can relate to, both sides of this proverbial coin.  

TWO BIRTHDAYS AND A HOLIDAY

Happy belated New Year! We have been busy, doing a lot of painting, redecorating, and also with  planning for birthdays. Both Colton and Jay had birthdays last month! Our Colty turned 9, and Jay just turned 16! Due to Covid, getting through Driver's Ed has taken several months longer than it normally would have, but Jay is almost done, and then we will try for a license! We just had a small celebration at home for both boys (and lots of cake!).